Armstrong Flooring Glossary

Read the definitions of terms used on the Armstrong website and by your local flooring retailer.

Glossary Terms

Acrylic ImpregnationThe generic name for wood-plastic composites using wood impregnated with acrylic monomers and polymerized within the wood
cells by heat, pressure or radiation.

AdhesiveA substance that bonds the finished floor product to the substrate.

AlternaAn innovative vinyl tile floor designed for homeowners who want the beauty, the durability and the feel of ceramic tile. Alterna is able to be installed with or without grout.

ArmafeltA felt compostion backing that allows installation of vinyl sheet flooring of all grade levels. The floor is bonded to the
subfloor either by spreading adhesive under the entire floor, or by using adhesive only around the perimeter and at the seams
(Armafelt Options).

Armafelt OptionsAn Armstrong installation system for residential vinyl flooring with the Armafelt backing. Armafelt Options provides the option
of installing some residential Armafelt backed floors with adhesive under the entire area of the floor (full spread) or just
around the perimeter (perimeter bond). Due to the floors' accommodating properties which allow for installation over wood,
concrete and existing resilient substrates, less adhesive is needed for the installation of some Armafelt backed floors and
therefore installers save time on installation.

ArmaLock® Installation SystemThe strongest laminate locking system in the industry, with a locking strength of 670 pounds per linear foot; guaranteed not
to unlock at the seams for 20 to 30 years.

Armstrong Certified InstallersFloor covering professionals who have been specially trained and certified to install any Armstrong floor product. These installers
must pass a rigorous hands-on and written exam; receive ongoing product information and support from Armstrong; have access
to a network of additional experts located in your area; and stand behind their work, as Armstrong stands behind them.

Base-Shoe ComboA finishing molding piece used along the outer most edges of the floor where it meets the wall.

Below GradeBelow ground level; partially or completely below the surrounding ground level and in direct contact with the ground or with
fill which is in direct contact with the ground.

Beveled EdgeAn angular edge and/or end treatment used on flooring.

BloomingAlso referred to as “drying room yellowing," "drying room film" or "stove yellowing," this is a natural phenomenon that occurs
during the manufacturing process of all linoleum. As linoleum cures in the drying room, a yellowish cast may develop on the
surface due to the oxidation of the linseed oil. This is not a product defect. Any change in the product's appearance because
of this yellow cast is temporary and disappears after exposure to either natural or artificial light. The time required for
the yellow cast to disappear ranges from a few hours to several weeks depending on the type and intensity of the light source.
Typically, the yellow cast disappears more quickly with exposure to natural light. The application of floor finishes will
not interfere with the dissipation of the yellow cast. On areas of linoleum not exposed to light, elimination of the yellow
cast will not occur.

Board WidthThe width of the individual wood boards that make up the floor. “Strips” are narrow boards measuring less than 3 inches wide.
“Planks” are wider boards measuring more than 3 inches wide. "Wide plank flooring” refers to wood boards that are more than 5 inches wide.

Cement Based Patching Compound;Compound used to fill or smooth subfloor irregularities in preparation for installing a new vinyl floor.

CleanSweep®A patented wear surface that is engineered for easy cleaning and maintenance. No waxing, polishing or buffing is needed, just
vacuuming or sweeping with an occasional wash. Resists household stains like mustard, shoe polish, lipstick and foot traffic
stains.

Dimensional StabilityThe ability of flooring to retain its original dimensions during the service life of the product.

Distressed VisualA design term that describes a heavy texture in which the floor has been scraped, scratched, or gouged to give it a time-worn
antique look. See distressed hardwood floors.

DIY (Do it Yourself)DIY is an acronym for “do it yourself”,” referring to projects that can be installed without a professional. DIY levels are
typically described as easy to difficult, requiring varying ranges of tools and experience.

DPL (Direct Pressure Laminate)Direct pressure laminate is the most typical fusing method used to manufacture residential laminate flooring. The surface,
inner layers and backing layer are fused in a single press operation.

DurabilityOften used to describe the way Armstrong’s floors are known to withstand wear and tear, allowing them to look like new for
a long period of time.

Edge DetailA term that describes the way hardwood and laminate board edges and ends are cut. Edges and ends are typically described as
square, eased, microbeveled and beveled.

Embossed in RegisterA manufacturing process that intensifies the depth, texture and realistic look of the floor by aligning the embossing with
the printed design. This technique is used on Armstrong laminate and vinyl floor products.

EngineeredA term describing hardwood construction. Engineered hardwood flooring boards are manufactured from multiple layers, or plies, of solid wood assembled in a cross-ply construction. The top layer
is the species and color you see when the boards are installed.

EstimateA preliminary cost figure prepared by contractors or other to give a job owner and/or architect a rough idea of the cost of
a completed building. Armstrong provides flooring cost estimates for many of its products.

FadingThe loss of color due to exposure to light, heat or other destructive agents.

FASTAK™This term is used with Luxe Plank luxury vinyl and indicates the type of installation technology used with this flooring.
Floors with FasTak have repositionable, pressure-sensitive adhesive applied to the planks. During installation, the adhesive
is removed, and the planks or tiles are pressed into place over the subfloor.

FiberglassAn encapsulated glass rotovinyl (printed) flooring designed to be installed using Glass-Tac tape or Armstrong S-288 or S-289
adhesive.

FinishThe surface coating on pre-finished flooring. Usually either urethane or wax finish.

Floating HardwoodInstallation method in which individual boards are placed together only at edges and end joints, without direct attachment
to the subfloor.

Floor CareImportant in order to keep your floor looking as beautiful as it was the day it was installed. To learn about caring for your
floor, select your floor type to find specific care products and tips.

Floor ProtectorsScrew-on attachments for the bottom of wooden chairs and table legs to distribute the weight of furniture evenly to reduce
indentations in resilient floors. Abrasions can be prevented with unique, replaceable felt pads on the floor protectors.

FloorScore™ CertificationFloorScore is a registered trademark of the Resilient Floor Covering Institute. Products with FloorScore certification are
guaranteed to meet or exceed low emission standards, will not adversely affect indoor air quality, and have passed a third
party certification process.

Full BathroomA bathroom with sink, toilet and bathing facilities including one or more of the following: shower, bathtub, Jacuzzi /whirlpool,
spa, sauna.

Full-Spread AdhesiveAn installation system for linoleum, felt-backed vinyl sheet products, fiberglass vinyl sheet products, and luxury vinyl tile
in which adhesive is spread across the entire substrate before it is placed down for installation.

Hi-Definition Print Technology™Print technology used to create extremely realistic patterns. Colors are vibrant and natural with intensified depth and realism.
The embossing technology infuses the look with depth and texture.

High-Density FiberboardBoard utilized in the core of Armstrong laminate designed to resist moisture, resist indentations, and provide dimensional
stability.

High-Performance Wear LayerWear layer utilized on the surface of Armstrong laminate flooring. It is made from multiple layers of resin saturated paper
fused together with a high-fidelity printed design layer and hard mineral particles to resist wear, stains, and surface burns.

Interlocking (Interlocking floating)An installation method that connects engineered hardwood or laminate boards to each other without the need for glue on the
edges or ends. The boards lock together via a tongue-and-groove system. Interlocking floors “float” over the subfloor (see
“Floating Floors.”)

INTEGRILOCK™ SYSTEMThe new patented installation system from Armstrong used with Vivero™ luxury flooring. This system, which is produced under
license from Välinge Innovation, is the first locking system of its kind in luxury flooring.

KnotThe portion of a branch or limb that has been surrounded by subsequent growth of the wood of the trunk or other portions of
the tree. A knot appears on the sawed surface but is merely a section of the entire knot, its shape depending upon the direction
of the cut.

Laminate BackingA thermo-fused backing that provides additional strength and protection and ensures the floor stays flat, even when exposed
to bottom-up moisture, which is particularly common with installations over concrete.

Laminate Floating FloorA floor that does not need to be nailed or glued to the subfloor and can be installed over most existing floors, including
concrete, ceramic tile, vinyl, wood and even some indoor/outdoor carpet, except high pile carpet.

Laminate FlooringHard-surface flooring utilizing a fiberboard core and Melamine wear layer that is available in available in wood, ceramic
tile and stone visuals.

Laminate Flooring GlueAdhesive used to bond the tongue and groove edges of laminate flooring.

Lock&Fold™The fastest and easiest type of installation system for both hardwood and laminate flooring products. The system locks planks
together without the use of glue, nails, or staples. *Not available with all products.

Loose Lay (and Modified Loose Lay)An installation method for all vinyl sheet floors (minus felt back) where adhesive is not necessary or tape should be used
in strategic spots such as under appliances.

Luxe PlankA realistic wood-look vinyl plank that is easy to install and comes in attractive plank widths and lengths.

Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT)A type of flexible, vinyl floor tile and/or plank that has beautiful printed designs protected by a durable urethane wear
layer. LVT products are easy to install, but they do require full-spread adhesive and the proper sized trowel for installation.

Magnum HDF™ CoreAll Bruce Laminate floors have a Magnum HDF Core with thermofused backing that forms a moisture barrier. There’s no need to
worry about spills soaking in or moisture wicking up from the subfloor. The Magnum HDF Core also eliminates the need to acclimate
planks in the home environment so you can buy it and install it the same day.

MasterWorks Technology® with VTx™A variable texture technology that delivers a range of realistic textures and gloss with an incredibly natural feel. Available
only on Armstrong brand vinyl sheet floors.

Mildew protectionCharacteristic of Armstrong vinyl floor backing that protects against color or pattern discoloration caused by mildew, mold
or alkali.

Micro-edge DetailingA hardwood edge type cut to show subtle distinction between planks. Available with many different hardwood flooring brands
and varieties.

NextGen™ Technology (Armstrong Hardwood)A technology for locking engineered hardwood flooring in order to eliminate glue, nails and staples. This results in a tighter
fit between hardwood boards and an overall more stable floor with higher tolerance to moisture and climate changes.

ParquetInlaid woodwork in geometric forms, sometimes of contrasting woods, used in flooring. A common example is individual pickets
of wood flooring, adhered together in groups of six pickets - then four picketed squares are alternately adhered to form a
tile pattern.

Peel ‘n StickA term used for self adhesive tile that does not require adhesive for installation. Tiles have a peel-off backing that, once
removed, uncovers adhesive on the tile’s underside. These tiles are easy to stick to the floor, but once placed, can be difficult
to remove.

Perimeter Spread AdhesiveAn installation system for felt-backed vinyl sheet floors in which adhesive is spread around the perimeter, or outside edge,
of the underside of the floor before it is placed down for installation.

Permion®A hardwood floor finish that contains a high level of aluminum oxide for superior resistance to surface wear-through.

PlankBoard widths that are 3" in width or greater.

Ply (Plies)Another word for a layer of wood, typically used to described engineered hardwood construction layers.

PlywoodA structural material consisting of sheets of wood glued or cemented together and used as underlayment for vinyl flooring.
Armstrong recommends the use of APA Underlayment Grade plywood with the installation of Armstrong resilient floors.

PolyurethaneA type of finish used on hardwood to protect it from damage. Polyurethane finishes do not require waxing.

PrefinishedHardwood floors that are stained with color and sealed with a protective finish by the manufacturer prior to installation.

Printed constructionA printing process that provides accurate reproductions of a wide variety of patterns and designs in intricate detail. Also
known as the "rotogravure" process.

Pull BarTool used to tighten up tongue and groove joints used during the installation of laminate flooring.

SamplesAn option for viewing flooring in your own home before making a final decision. When you begin the process of finding the
style that’s right for you, we suggest that you order samples from your local retailer.

Site FinishedHardwood floors that are stained with color and sealed with a protective finish at the installation site by the installer.

SolidManufactured from a solid piece of wood.

SpacersSmall pieces of wood used in the initial step in the installation of laminate to maintain a 1/4" expansion zone.

SpeciesThe type of tree, such as oak, cherry or walnut. Different wood species have different levels of hardness that affect durability;
graining, which affects the look of the board; and indigenous color, which can be kept natural or stained.

SpecificationsThe detailed selections of the architect, covering all of the material and labor methods to be used in erecting a building.
Usually prescribe types of material, sources, and often lists method of application or installation.

Step NoseA trim and molding option for laminate flooring. This is used as a connection where laminate flooring meets a step down or
landing.

Straight-EdgeAny strong, straight piece of metal that can be used for cutting straight lines for installing vinyl sheet and tile.

StripBoard widths that are less then 3" in width.

Structural IntegrityA term often used in a guarantee or warranty to assure the floor’s composition/construction will remain intact.

SubfloorThe structural layer intended to provide the home's floor support, which may receive floor coverings directly if the surface
is appropriate, or indirectly via an underlayment if its surface is not suitable.

Suspended SubstratePertaining to the above-grade location of a finished floor where the floor is not in contact with the ground and which provides
at least 18 inches of well-ventilated space.

SwatchA sample or collection of samples of various things that you should consider bringing to your local retailer when choosing
the perfect floor for your home. This may include fabrics, wallpaper and paint chips that will be part of your décor.

T-MoldingMolding piece that finishes the space between two areas of wood or laminate flooring. For laminate, it also fills the gap
at doorways.

Tapping BlockBlock of wood used directly against the edge of laminate boards during installation.

TextureThe term used to describe the surface look and feel of flooring. Textures can range from silky smooth to hand-scraped and
distressed.

ThresholdA finishing piece applied to the floor transition area where the wood or laminate transitions to another flooring level or
another flooring type.

Tongue and GrooveThe edge effect used on laminate boards to enable mechanical fastening of one board to the adjacent board(s).

ToughGuard® FlooringArmstrong's toughest vinyl floor. Armstrong ToughGuard floors are designed for long life and extraordinary durability. They
are guaranteed not to rip, tear, gouge or indent from normal household use for the life of the warranty.

Transition StripsInstallation accessory that bridges two floors of different heights to equalize the height differential. Transition strips
are functional and decorative.

TrowelTool used to place the correct amount of adhesive on the substrate prior to installing glue down flooring.

Vinyl Sheet FlooringResilient flooring, available in roll form, providing an installation with few seams.

Vinyl No-WaxA surface that protects the color and pattern of the floor, but needs floor polish to maintain a high gloss.

Vinyl TileResilient flooring available in flat pieces usually measuring 12" x 12" which can be installed as individual units.

VisionGuard™An easy-to-clean surface that protects the floor from stains, fading or wear; and resists scuffs in normal household use.
Available only on Armstrong brand laminate and vinyl sheet flooring.

VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds)VOC is an acronym for volatile organic compounds, which are gases that can trigger allergic reactions, asthma and upper respiratory
infections. All Armstrong floors have very low VOC levels (see “Floor Score.”)

Wood SpeciesThe primary species from which the wood floor is made. Armstrong offers a variety of species, which can be found on the Hardwood
Flooring Products page.

Wood StainA type of paint that is very "thin," or low in viscosity, and formulated so that the pigment penetrates the surface rather
than remaining in a film on top of the surface. Stain is predominantly pigment or dye and solvent with little binder.